Happy Holidays!

I want to take this time to say I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will return to our regular blogs in January. However, I wanted to take this time to simply remind us of what we have been given.

God gave each one of us an opportunity for a relationship with him. We have been given the avenue to freedom in Christ. Christmas is not simply about the gifts, the gathering of family and friends or having a break from school or work. All those things are nice, but they are not the true reason for the believer to celebrate Christmas.

We celebrate Christmas because we are thankful that God sent his Son to be born of a woman not only to live but then to die for our sins so that we could be in a right relationship with him. I pray that if you have not make Christ your savior in 2009, that you will not let one more day go by without taking hold of the best gift ever given to man, the precious gift of salvation.

God bless you,

Minister Jewel D. Williams

Teaching Notes

That day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this psalm of thanks to the LORD : Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. - 1 Chronicles 16:7-9

Tell What he means to you. It is easy for me to tell you to be thankful, but is that what is in your heart? Do you remember when you did something wrong and your parent made you say you were sorry, did you really mean it or did you say it so that you would not get in trouble?

It's the same way with telling someone thank you. I can ask you like David did, to give thanks to God but is it in your heart? I admonish you to call on his name and when you do so tell others what he means to you. That is what it means to make him known among the nations. Sing his praises, tell of what wonderful things he has done for you.

I can tell you how great he has been in my life, but don't you want to have that personal relationship for yourself? Don't you want to be able to thank him for what he has done in your life? Don't you want to be able to have a thankful heart not because somebody told you, but because God has engrafted himself into your life?

You begin by making the first step of seeking him for yourself. That means if you want to know God is real, just ask him to show himself to you. Part of how he reveals himself is in his word. READ IT! As you read it ask him to help you understand what he is saying about himself.

And as you continue to seek him you will begin to know him for yourself. Then you can tell others about why they too should be thankful to God. As you prepare your hearts for Christmas, let us end November with a heart of thankfulness.

Prayer: Lord we are so thankful that you help us to understand our need for you in our lives. We are thankful that we can call on you and that you will help us. We are thankful Lord that we can tell others of your wonderful work in our lives. We will sing your praises and help others to do the same. Amen.

Can you hear from you this week, about how you tell others about your relationship with Christ.

Teaching Notes

Thankful

I thought, how can words of thanksgiving on him I bestow?
I thought about all the wonderful blessings I know.

I could show my thankfulness by listing all the good from my life
But even the unsaved can be thankful for times when there is lack of strife

As God’s child how am I different from the world in which I live?
How do I to the Mighty King, true thanksgiving give?

Then I dropped to my knees and to God I began to pray.
Thank you for my foot that won’t bear my weight when I wake to the new day.
Because it reminds me I can lean on you to carry me all the way.

I’m thankful for my times of lack and when I was unable to see its end,
Because you showed me you are faithful and on you I can depend.

I thank you for the child I loved within my heart but life I was never able to give,
I better understood how you willingly grieved your son’s life so I could live.

I’m thankful for broken promises, lost relationships and lost dreams,
You showed me that you would never leave me nor forsake me no matter how it seems.

I’m even thankful for the sickness, the pain and the aches,
You showed me you are my strength in those times when my spirit would break.

To be thankful for the good is quite easy you see,
I must be thankful for all things to become what God wants me to be.

Why am I thankful you might inquire?
To please him is my greatest desire.

Be thankful no matter what life situation you are in,
For with Jesus in all things and through all things you can win.

For both my good and my bad I can say thank you,
Simply because the love of God is so true.

This is a short week, so I decided to just share something about being thankful as you have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Teaching Notes

The Importance of Children to Jesus

Peopl were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will  not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hand on them and blessed them. - Mark 10:13-16

There are many vital points in this scripture to help us understand how important children (youth of all ages) are the Jesus.

1. People were bringing little children... It is important for parents to have the desire to bring their children before the Lord so that he can touch their lives and make them into what he desires for their lives.

2. Disciples rebuked them. When Jesus was this, he was indignant... Jesus was angry, annoyed and even offended by his own disciples trying to stop the children from coming to him. The message to us today is, we must make sure as the disciples of Christ we are not responsible for turning away the children. Like the disciples, we turn them away because we don't think they are vital to the work of Christ. The disciples thought the children were in the way of Jesus doing his work. We likewise turn them away because we feel they are getting in the way of the "work" we should be doing, when in fact they are part of the work.

3. Do not hinder them.... Jesus said do not hinder the children from coming to him. The message to us today is, we as the people of God must make sure we are not hindering the children from coming. Anything we do that puts us between them and God, hinders them. They do not need to come through us to get to Jesus, in fact we should be making a way for them and not standing in the way.

4. Put his hands on them and blessed them...Young people, Jesus wants to put his hands on you, on your life and he wants to bless you. As the people of God we must make the commitment to be way makers for the youth to come to the Lord and not a hinderance. Young people, it is however your choice the recieve the call from Christ to recieve his blessings. We pray for all our young people to receive the call of Christ and allow him to anoint you life. Allow Christ to place his hands on your life and bless you to live his way.

Prayer: Lord today we pray that some young person would come to accept their need for you as the savior. Touch their lives, bless them and make them whole in you. Amen.

Teaching Notes

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow...Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. - Psalm 51:7, 10-13

Are you up for the challenge? About a month ago I spoke to a group of girls of varied ages. I gave them this scripture written on a card. My challenge to them was to read this scripture for the next 30 days and ask God to help you and to do what the psalmist is asking God to do for him.

Today, I give you the same 30 day challenge. Write this scripture down on an index card and read it each day and ask God to help you see what he is requiring of you for the next 30 days. The psalmist is asking God to cleanse him. This writer is David. David sinned against God and now he is asking God to cleanse his sin. He says if God cleanses me, then I know I will be clean. And then he ask God for something else.

He ask first for the forgiveness of his sins but then he ask God to create a pure heart in him. Why do you think he ask that? His desire is not to sin against God again and he realized that only comes with a changed heart. So we must ask for forgiveness but then we must ask God to change our hearts so we do not do that again. He also ask God to restore him so that he can go and tell others than have transgressed (sinned) the truth about God's goodness. When he does he says, I'll help to turn others back to you.

So this is the challenge. For the next 30 days, ask God to create a clean heart in you and renew a determined spirit to do his will. Ask him also to help you tell others about his truth so they too can have the chance to be changed. Are you ready for the challenge? Let me know if you do the challenge so that we can share your testimony with others.

Prayer: Lord help your people today to take this challenge. Not simply because I said so, but because they have a desire to be better for you. So Lord help those that will take this challenge to have a true encounter with you and a changed and determined mind. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

In the next week or so, we will feature something written by a youth, look for that soon.

Teaching Notes

MATTHEW MADNESS

QUIZ

Can you fill in the missing verse? Can you answer the questions? See how many you can get correct. If you e-mail me your answers, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a free t-shirt! We have some new designs of the Fearfully and Wonderfully Made tees and some new C.O.M.E. (College Online Ministry and Encouragement) tees.

1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, - Matthew 2:1. Which are verses 2 and 3?

A. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

B. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

C. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,


2. And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. – Matthew 4:6. Which verse is the verse 5? Which verse is verse 7?

A. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

B. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

C. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

D. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.


3. Unscramble the scripture. Matthew chapter 12 verse 1-4. Put them in the correct order.

A. How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?______

B. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat.______

C. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;______

D. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.______


4. Which statements are true about the book of Matthew?

A. First book of the Old Testament?

B. It is one of the synoptic Gospels?

C. First book of the New Testament?

D. All of the above.

E. Two of the three listed above?



5. Matthew starts the telling of his gospel with what?

A. Jesus being baptized.

B. The geneology of Jesus.

C. Herod seeking to find where Jesus is.

D. None of the above.



6. “And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.” This is Matthew 16:5. What is the lesson in this story? (LOOK IT UP)


7. 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. This is Matthew 18:3. What is the lesson in this story? (LOOK IT UP)


8. How many chapters in the book of Matthew?

A. 25

B. 30

C. 26

D. 19



9. What is the last message Jesus gives in the book of Matthew?

A. Go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come.

B. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them

C. Eli, Eli Lama Sabachthani?

D. Be not afraid go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee



10. What is it called when Jesus tells them to go and make disciples?

A. The Beatitudes

B. Parables

C. The Great Commission

Teaching Notes

Essay 3 – Matthew 5:17-20

Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams

4/06 for Introduction to the Bible

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is speaking about what is expected from the life of one that obeys God’s ways. Jesus tells his listeners that God is calling for individuals to be salt and light. He also tells us that just as the prophets were persecuted and received a reward, so will those that come behind and are persecuted will receive their rewards.


Jesus then tells them, he did not come to destroy the law or the prophets. In other words, Jesus is saying the law of God and the words the prophets spoke are not being eliminated. Instead, Jesus is the one that fulfills (or completes the requirements of) the law. Jesus says that God’s word will not change. All of the word of God must be fulfilled or completed. Jesus came to fulfill the requirement of the law, which required a blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.


We also have the Old Testament that points to Jesus being the fulfillment of the Law. Jesus is represented in every aspect of the Old Testament tabernacle worship. He is the gate; the only entrance to salvation and no one comes to the father except through Christ. Jesus is the lamb without spot or blemish sacrificed on the brazen alter for the cleansing of sins. The curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom when Jesus was crucified because it was the working of God removing the separation down to man. God was making available his holiness to mankind because of Jesus' sacrifice. In the Old Testament times, the high priests were the only ones able to enter the Holy of Holies.


The sacrifice of animals (those without blemish or spot) was only a temporary requirement that was completely replaced with a more perfect sacrifice, which was Jesus the Son of God. The prophet’s spoke of Jesus’ coming and how he was the fulfillment of the words sent to the people of God. The entire Old Testament points to Jesus’ coming and fulfillment of the requirements inside.


There is still a part of the word of God that will be fulfilled when Jesus returns. That is the reason verse 18 states, “for verily I say unto you, Til heaven and earth pass, on jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass form the law, till all be fulfilled”. Jesus was teaching that no one should break God’s law nor teach others to do likewise. Those that teach others to obey the ways of God will enter into the kingdom of God.


Jesus also warned not to do as the Pharisees and the scribes did. They put their oral traditions equal with God’s laws and they changed what was required for holy living. Jesus reminds them not to put your beliefs, your traditions or anything above God’s law. Instead, Jesus is calling for individuals to be an example of him to the world. Jesus opened to all that will come the provisions of his father. He opened up the access to the Holiness of God.


“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth” (Romans 10:4). Paul states in Roman that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. It is for those that believe to receive the righteousness imparted to them by God because of the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus is calling the individual to be obedient to the word of God. The word states that those that are obedient to God will receive entrance into God’s kingdom, for those that are not obedient, they will not receive of the promise of heaven. Jesus fulfilled the law’s requirements therefore opening up the access to God’s provisions.

Teaching Notes

This week we will not study a specific scripture, but look at the life of one of the early churches important figures, Apostle Paul. This is not a detailed study but an overview of his life.

Paul the Mission Worker

After Paul’s conversion, he carried out his commission not only in Damascus but also in the kingdom of the Nabatean Arabs, to the east and the south. (Gal. 1:17) Even though we are not given the details of his activity it was enough for the King to try and arrest him (2 Cor. 11:32-33). After he left Damascus, he visited Jerusalem to make the acquaintance of Peter. During his two weeks there, he met James the brother of Jesus. (Ga. 1:18-19) Paul left Jerusalem and went to Tarsus. He spent the next ten years in and around Tarsus, actively engaged in evangelizing the Gentiles.

He was invited by Barnabas to come to Antioch to care for a young church there. A spontaneous campaign of Gentile evangelization had recently taken place there resulting in a vigorous church.

After about a year of being in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to met with the apostles Peter and John, and James the brother of Jesus (Gal. 2:1-10). The results of this meeting was an agreement that the Jerusalem leaders would concentrate on the evangelization of the Jews, while Paul and Barnabas continue to take the gospel to the Gentiles.

Barnabas and Paul were released from the Antioch church to pursue a missionary campaign that took them to Barnabas’ native island of Cyprus and then into the highlands of central Asia Minor (modern Turkey), to the province of Galatia. There they preached the gospel and planted churches in the cities of Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Debre.

After Paul and Barnabas parted company, Paul chose Silas as his new collegue. Together they visited the young churches of Galatia. At Lystra they were joined by Timothy, a young convert. From this time until the end of his life, Timothy was his most faithful attendant.

Paul was told in a vision to cross the north Aegean sea and preach the gospel in Macedonia. The first stop was the Roman colony of Philippi. In spite of running into trouble and being imprisoned, Paul and his companions planted a strong church. They moved on to Thessalonica. They were forced to leave the city quickly because they were accused of proclaiming Jesus as the rival to the emperor.

Paul was alone now in his travel and he moved south into the province of Achaia. After a short stay in Athens, he went to Corinth. Their reputation was one of a wicked city in the Greco-Roman world. Surprisingly, Paul stayed there for 18 months and made many converts.

After his stay in Corinth, Paul paid a brief visit to Jerusalem and Antioch and then traveled to Ephesus where he stayed for 3 years. These are just a few of the travels of Paul. He also was able to encourage believers from his stay in jail. As long as God used him, he was available for service no matter the circumstances. Can we say the same?

What can we learn from Paul's life? One thing is we can be used by God to go and say whatever he decides. We can also learn that situations and circumstances do not have to stop you from being effective for God. Paul was willing to even preach while locked in Prison.

This week, let's ask God the question of what does he want from our lives? What does he want to do with us? Lord have your way in my life and use me for your glory, no matter what and who I may have to stand up against. Amen.

Teaching Notes

"Go," the LORD said to me, "and lead the people on their way, so that they may enter and possess the land that I swore to their fathers to give them."And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? - Deuteronomy 10:11-13

Walk with God. Moses was given instruction to lead the people of Israel into a land he was about to give them to possess. God had a plan and a purpose for Moses life, just as he has a plan for your life and mine.

The question asked was, what does the Lord ask of you? The answer to that question is as follows:

1. Fear the Lord.
2. Walk in all his ways.
3. Love him.
4. Serve him wholeheartedly.
5. Obey the commands of God.

It is important to understand that in order for us to walk with God we have to hear his instructions and then obey them. What the Lord ask of us today is not different that what he asked of the people of Israel. He requires us to have a reverence fear of him (meaning see the seriousness of who God is and honor that). We are to walk not in some of his ways but in all of them. We are to love him and out of that love will come our willingness to serve him with our whole hearts.

I challenge you today, are you following God his way? Are you walking after all that he shows you or are you picking and choosing what is right for you? If you want to be the change avenue for your generation you will need to follow God his way.  The question I ask you to think about this week is this, what can I do to improve my walk before God? Is there  something I need to let go of or something I need to add to my walk with God?

Prayer: Lord this day we are thankful for you and what you give to us. We are thankful that you will equipped us to be able to walk right before you. If we hear you and listen to your words we can have a successful walk with you. Lord keep us and use us for this time. Amen.

Teaching Notes

God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " - Exodus 3:14

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." - Revelation 1:8

Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. - John 14:10

Who do you say that I am? I often hear debates about who God is, who Jesus is and what or who is the Holy Spirit. While all this debate is going on trying to prove or disprove God, I believe God is asking each of us a vital question. That question he speaks to each of our hearts is, who do you say that I am? Did you know it really does not matter how many times I tell you something about God if you refuse to believe it as the truth. Oh, it does not change that truth, it simply means you have not accepted it within your hearts and that is where God wants to make the change within us.

How or where can you find the truth about God? The first place is in his own words. If you wanted someone to know something about you, would you want them to trust the opinion of someone else or would you want them to heart if from you? Well God is the same. Now before you say, how can I hear from God, that is what his word is. The Bible, though written by men, was inspired by God because it is his truth as he told it to each of the writers. Let's take a look at a few of the things God says about himself in his word.

In the first scripture, God spoke to Moses and gave him instructions on being the deliver of his people. But Moses wants to know when the people ask me who has sent me, who should I say has sent me. This scripture in Exodus 3:14 is God's response to Moses' question. "I AM THAT I AM" signifies God as the great Jehovah and it tells us somethings about God. It tells us first he is self-existent. He does not recieve his life from some other source and he is now and has always been. He is eternal and not a created being. It tells us he is unchangable. He is the same today, tomorrow, yesterday and forever. It tell us he is incomprehensible, we will never be able to totally search him out, he is far above our understanding. He tells Moses tell them I Am has sent you. To be sent by the "I Am" means that you and I are equipped by the God of the universe, the God that is self-existent and self-sufficent. He does not change and therefore he will not leave us along and he will be with us as we carry out the journey he has called us to. Do you know God as the great "I AM". Have you experience his awesomeness today?

The next scripture Revelation 1:8, continues to explain who God is. This scripture says he is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. The scripture says who is (present tense), who was (from times of old, even before man was here on earth), who is to come (future tense). This is also true of Jesus for he is the one who is, and he is the one who was from time eternal and he is the one to come.

The last scripture in John 14:10 is Jesus asking the question of do you know me? What he is asking is do you know that I and my Father are one? He is telling those with him that all his words are the words of God. He is not speaking only as himself but he speaks for the Father.  The question to this world today is the same. Who do you say that God is? Who do you say that Jesus is?

If your answer is that God is eternal and that he is and has alway been then you answer according to God's explanation of himself. If you say that Jesus is his son and that he too was with God through all eternity. If you say that Jesus came to earth not to speak his own thoughts and wishes, but he came to speak the words of his Father and to fulfill the will of the Father then you understand Jesus as he spoke of himself.

So I ask you today, who do you say they are? Better yet, who is God to you? Who is Jesus to you? If you do not know God as father and Jesus as Lord, today can be the day you change your understanding, your position and your relationship. How do you want to answer this question?

Special Announcement

If you would like to read the interview I did with the creator and writer of Saved M.O.M (Mommy on mission) blogger, Shonte' Press, clink the link below and read her Friday entry. Enjoy!

http://savedmom.blogspot.com/

Teaching Notes

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!" - Psalm 40:16

Love results in praise. The psalmist states may all that seek God rejoice and be glad. Why? If you seek God, you will find him. If you are in need of his help, his direction, his wisdom or power, you will receive what you need.

I do not know about you, but I get happy knowing that what I need, I can have from God. So the psalmist tells us to rejoice and be glad in God. And if we love the salvation of God we will shout "The Lord be exalted".

Maybe you are not using those same words, however if you are praising God, that is only done out of your love for him. Did you know you really cannot praise God if you do not love him? It's like a person trying to say something nice about their enemy. If you really do not like someone, the "praise" or the good things you say to them or about them will be false, not sincere.

God wants sincere praise and that comes from our love from him. Today let us say together, "The LORD be exalted". Maybe not in those words, but in the words that express your love for God. Maybe it is hallelujah, or simply I love you Lord. Whatever it is, shout the praises unto the king.

Lord, today we thank you for hearing us when we call unto you and because of it we can rejoice and be glad in you being our God. Help me today to continue to show forth the praises of my love to you. Let me praise you in my home, and every where I go. In Jesus name, amen.

Teaching Notes

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. - Psalm 20:7

What are you trusting in? This is a short verse of scripture but it has valuable lessons held within it. The psalmist writes what some people trust in. Some trust in chariots and some in horses. What does that really mean?

Chariots and horses were valuable in war against one's enemies. Have you ever watched those old movies of kings fighting against other kingdoms? Those on chariots or horses were able to out run those on foot. Many of the chariots and horses for that matter had special armor attached to them so they could do great harm to the enemy. So to relate that to today would mean we are trusting in our abilities, our our stuff, our strength to be able to win against others. We may feel we are smarter, faster, or better and can out run our enemies.

But if you ever watched those old movies, those on chariots or horses did not always win. Sometimes they fell at the hand of their enemies. This is true for us today, we cannot always depend on our strength or other things to always work things our for us because sometimes they fail.

The psalmist however tells of one way that is always sure. He says he will trust in the Lord. The Lord our God is the only one that is able to win all the time, in every situation and in every battle. The psalmist is encouraging us to place our trust in God. The question I asked was, what are you trusting in? Are you trying to work everything out yourself? Are you trying to do everything with power or strength? Well the encouragement today is place your trust in God. God's strength is far greater than yours or mine. Will you release your life into his hands today and trust him to take care of you? Do you trust?

Prayer: Lord today we ask that you help us to trust you in everything and in every situation. We often try to work things out ourselves to often find out we were not able to handle the burden. Help us to take our trust out of ourselves, or people, or things and place is solely in you. Help us today to trust in you, Amen.

Teaching Notes

Who's doing the Leading?

BEING LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

Being lead means someone (or something) gives the direction and you follow them. A good example of this is when someone takes your hand, were ever they take you is the direction you go. A problem that arises with being lead is, “WHO’S DOING THE LEADING?” I’ll explain this statement.

Imagine two people are holding your hands. One person is pulling you in one direction; the other is in the opposite direction. Notice what happens. First thing that happens is when you are being pulled in opposite directions; you won’t go forward in either. The second thing that happens is eventually one of the forces that is pulling you will be let go. Lastly, if either forces pulling on you is not let go, you will be pulled until something breaks, gets torn, or gets hurt. Now let us analyze these examples.

Those two people holding your hands represent the Holy Spirit of God and Satan. They are trying to lead your life in opposite directions. If you try to live a life lead by the Spirit and a life lead by Satan, you will not achieve success in your life. In trying you will eventually let go of one life or the other, as stated in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other, you cannot serve God and mammon.” Lastly, if you do not let go, then trying to live both a saved life and an unsaved life, will eventually break your spirit, tear your strength in two and hurt your spiritual life.

In order to be lead successfully by the Spirit, you must take hold of the Spirit with both hands. If you leave that other one dangling at your side, somebody can come and take hold of it. Let the Spirit give you the direction and then follow without complaining. As soon as you begin to complain, to point to what is wrong, your hand is dangling again. Know that the Spirit leads to righteousness, holiness, love, truth, success in the spirit, joy and all the other gifts of God.

How do you learn to be lead by the Spirit? Imagine its like entering boot camp. You go in with your own ideas, habits, will and other preconceived ideas. You must first go through basic training. You must relearn even the very basic things you do, even something as simple as when to go to bed. It might seem silly, but in God’s plans, you might need to be in bed at a certain time so he can use you in a certain way. You will learn to do the things, which will condition your body and mind (as well as the spiritual man) for warfare.

This is how you must envision being trained in spiritual warfare. We are first saved (enter in boot camp.) All the things we thought were right and all our ideas must now be whipped into shape, the shape of God. God shapes us when we read his word, take his correction when we falter, and live righteous lives.

When we have gone through some basic training, we are ready to go to war, to take our orders. Take hold of the Spirit of God and let him direct us in our decisions we make. Whether to buy a car, to take this job or wait for the one God has for us. When we begin to be lead by the Spirit, we then are walking as sons and daughters of God.

Teaching Notes

(Cedar of Lebanon)

My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. - Psalm 92:11-13

Grow Strong! The writer of this psalm states that his eyes has seen his enemies defeated and he has heard the uprise of his enemies against him. Yet, the psalmist confirms that the righteous will flourish.

The writer is encourager his reader that his has seen and he has heard of the defeat of the enemy.  He has also seen the Lord take care of those that belong to him. God will continue to give to those that belong to him what they need. He promises that you will flourish (you will grow).

Why will you grow? You and I are promises that we will grow because of where we are planted. This tree is planted in the house of God, in the courts or the presence of God. In other words you and I grow when we are planted in the right place. That right place is with God. If we allow God to water us, nuture us and even prune us when we need it, he promises to grow us up and to keep us from going the way of the wicked.

Today I encourage you to allow God to grow you strong. Let him have your life so that he can plant you in his presence and you can grow. Do not become like the wicked that are soon cut off.

Prayer: Lord we want to grow. We want to grow strong so that we can withstand the tricks of the enemy. We want to be able to see and know like the psalmist that you will care for your children. Help us today to have faith in your hand. Amen.

Teaching Notes

I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work. - Nehemiah 2:18

Get started. The scripture is during the time when the children of Israel have been in captivity and the city and the walls have fallen in disrepair. Nehemiah here speaks about the instruction that God has given him. The instruction is to rebuild the wall. So when the people receive the instruction they state, "let us start rebuilding".

This is something that is important for us to understand. God has a plan that requires each of us to come on board and get to work. We could stand around and say, "boy is this wall bad" or "if so-in-so had done their job this wall wouldn't be in need or repair". In other words, we could stand around and talk about all that those before us did wrong or we could hear the instruction of the Lord and get started doing what he calls us to do.

This is a call to the young people (all people actually). You can no longer sit back and point a finger at what the "old" people did not do right or how they do not understand things of today. Do you know that may be all true, however when God calls you he is not going to ask you what the "older saints" did or did not do. He is going to ask you, did you follow the instructions I gave you to handle the need in your time?

What's the need of your time? Just like Nehemiah tells the people their needs to be a rebuilding of the wall to protect the city, today we need to shore up our walls to protect the city. Not physical walls, but spiritual walls. We need you today to use your strength and ability to build up spiritual walls that will protect others around you. God needs you to get started with the work he has for you.

What post are you on? God assigns each of us a specific job that is only for us. He does not ask you to do my job and he does not ask me to do yours. Not only does he give you a post to stand on building this wall, but he will equip you for the work.

Today, are you ready to take up your post on the wall that needs to be rebuilt? Are you ready to begin the work of restoring God's wall to protect his people? I pray today that you will get started to do what God has uniquely designed you to do. May he give you the courage to do what he has called you today. I pray that you do not wait until tomorrow, but set your mind to doing God's work today. Amen.

Teaching Notes

The Rewards of Obedience

Then the LORD said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you. Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. - Exodus 34:10-12

We live in a world that says do what "feels right to you". You are the captain of your own ship, the determining factor of your destiny and other such sayings. What in fact the hidden message is, is that you do not have to follow any rules expect what feels good to you.

The Lord is speaking in this scripture and is making a covenant with the children of Israel. A covenant is more that a simply promise. God is making a agreement of what he will do for his people. Let's look at what God promises.

1. He will do wonders never seen before. - God promises his people that he will do such wonders among them that no one else has ever seen before. God is not simply doing this so that the people will look good, but he is mainly doing it to show others around them his wonders. Did you know that simply because you are God's people he will bless you so that he can show others who he is through his interactions with you? What wonders do you need to see done in your life that have not been seen before? As a young person, do you need to see some wonders in your life that you have only heard about from others? Why not take a chance today and ask God to show you himself, you might be surprised what he shows you.

2. He will drive out the "nations" before you. - You read the list of nations that God said he would move out of the way of the children of Israel. These nations were possessing the land that God had promised the Israelites. So how where they to take what someone else was living on? They wouldn't do it, God would. Did you know that the things you seek from God to do in your life that seem impossible to possess because of obstacles that stand in the way can be had because God promises that he will move those obstacles out of the way. Why would he do that? Because he made an agreement with his people to give them the land. While God has not promised to give us an actual land, he has promises to us provisions that we can obtain because of the covenant we have with him. Do you need God to move out the "nations" the obstacles that are standing in your way so that you can obtain the promises he has for you? The next question then is how do you obtain these rewards?

3. Obey and receive. - It is simply through your obedience to God. That is our part of the covenant with God. God promises to show himself in us so that others will be amazed at his work and he promises to move out obstacles that would try to keep us from obtaining what he has for us. But this can only happen when we obey his commandments. Otherwise, we forfeit the reward. The final think is we must heed the warnings. The children were told do not go into the land that God has for you and make an agreement with the people there, otherwise it will become a snare to you.

This is true for us today. If we make an agreement with the "nations" that which is contrary to God we create a snare for ourselves and we are not able to see the fullness of what God wants to do in our lives. What this means is I cannot try to do what the world says and try to live for God as well, I cannot do both and in my trying more than likely I will create a problem for myself and become unable to do the things that are pleasing to God.

This week I pray that you would seek God to direct you in how to obey him more completely. I challenge you this week. Do you want to see God do some wonderful things in your life? Then obey him fully. What is he telling you to do? Are you doing it? Are you reading your word, praying and yielding yourself to him? Obey him and receive the rewards of the obedient.

Teaching Notes

The Choice is Yours

Written by Minister James S. Williams, Jr.

Meditation: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; - Proverb 3:5

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. - Ephesians 5:15-17

The choice is yours, life or death, good or evil, right or wrong - which will you choose?


Each day when we arise and all throughout the day we make choices between competing options. Our friends, classmates, family, acquaintances all want to influence our choices, but what is the true and correct way to choose? Some say follow your heart some say your head, others say just go with the flow, be easy and just chill, but are these the best ways to govern your life and entrust your soul?


Let's examine them. Your heart (emotions) is variable and can change based on things over which you have no control, should that control you? Your head is just a compilation of knowledge that you have gained in your life, but I am reminded of how my father said, "What you don't know could make another world?" If I know so little should I follow my own intuition and knowledge exclusively? The flow, being easy or just chillin’ like a villain, these are all very popular and can garner you a following of cool (or not so cool) people who think that you are the bomb. But is popularity the goal and will being popular with lots of associates, colleagues or friends (some of them flaky) provide the answer to leading your life?


If these models are insufficient to entrust your entire being, your life and your soul, then what or who is? The what is faith, the who is God. Start and end your day with the Lord and let His spirit lead you through your decisions, actions and motivation. To put anything else first or to fill your day with actions, talk and thoughts where God is not primary (1st) is to waste the wonderful opportunity.


Meditate on the devotional verse Proverbs 3:5 and take to heart the encouragement of Ephesians 5:15 - 18 throughout your week and see what God has in store for you!

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),

16 - Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

17 - Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

18 - And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.

Remember

Hebrews 6:11-14

(Contemporary English Version)

We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.

God's Promise Is Sure

No one is greater than God. So he made a promise in his own name when he said to Abraham, "I, the Lord, will bless you with many descendants!"

The choice is Yours Be Blessed or...........

Teaching Notes

WORSHIP INSTRUCTIONS

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, - 1 Timothy 2:1-3

There is much debate about worship and worship styles. Some do not like the traditional hymns and some do not like contemporary music. However, worship is more than the music we listen to. Paul gives Timothy clear instruction on what worship must contained, those things that are not to be changed. Music styles can change and be blended but there are some things that need to be consistent.

Paul's instruction is that first requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving should be made for everyone. What does this mean? Prayer has to be a vital part of a worship service. Also a time of thanksgiving or praise to God has to be an important part of our worship services.

What is also important about prayer is that we must pray for our leaders, both in our government but also within our churches. Our prayer is so that we can have peace and live a holy life before God.

How does this relate to you? It is important to understand that God requires certain things from all his children. It does not matter if you perfer to listen to a certain kind of music during your personal time, but what is more important is do you take time to pray? Do you take time to thank God for what he has done for you?  Do you pray not only for yourself but for others? These are the things that are important to God (both in our time of worship with others as well as our personal worship time). Today I encourage you to spend time worshipping God his way.

Prayer: Lord help us not to become so concerned with things that are not as important to you, but help us to see the importance of worship your way. Help me to pray, to give thanks, and to pray for others. Help me to spend time worshipping you in a way that is pleasing to you, Amen.

Teaching Notes

Embracing the Change, Part 4

                                                                                                                        Challenges to being transformed

Let’s look at the scripture from Romans 12:1-3 in this last installment of this lesson.


Romans 12:1-3 (The Message)
Place Your Life Before God

1-2 So here's what I want you to do, (God helping you): Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.


3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.


This scripture talks about three key points of where we are to change or be transformed.

1. Commitment – in verse 1 it states, “here’s what I want you to do”. This talks about making a commitment to do something. Also Paul gives them this instruction with a very important clause, he says “with God helping you”. This means that the apostle Paul was talking to the people of Rome to make a commitment to the things of God but not in their own power but by God’s power. That is a word called “sanctification” that means becoming more godlike in our life. So, what is this commitment to?

The commitment is not to what people expect, but what God is requiring from you. This does not mean that you are not to obey rules, but it is stating that you seek God’s truth first, and then you obey rules that are in keeping with the will of God.


2 Corinthians 8:5 –And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.



2. Living sacrifice – Paul was asking the people to allow God to change them from the “inside out”. What this meant was more than “doing” things in front of people. You know what I mean. You won’t curse around the church people, but you curse around your friends. You do things in front of your parents but you are another way in front of others. Paul is saying don’t live a double life. Let the change be from a changed heart and mind.

1 Corinthians 6:20 - you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Romans 6:13 - Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.


3. Respond to the will of God. – In the verse it reads that we are to “readily recognize” what God wants and then respond accordingly.

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Ephesians 4:22-24 - You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Exodus 23:2 - "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,


Why do we need to be transformed? – To prove what is good, acceptable and God’s perfect will


2 Timothy 3:16, 17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Phil 1:10-11 - so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.


As you reflect on the lessons over the last weeks, what do you take away from this lesson? What do you want to change? Let me pray for you at this time:


Lord, we thank you for this opportunity to help these that are now reading the lessons presented earlier. I ask that you would help those reading this lesson to make the commitment they need to be all that you have called them to be. Transform the minds and help them make the commitment to live for you, your way, amen.

Teaching Notes

Embracing the Change – part 3

Last week we talked about what we eat regarding spiritual food. This week we look at what those “foods” are. We will now look at the wrong food (the garbage, the worldly thinking) and the good food (the godly thinking).

About truth

Lies the world says
You cannot know what is true. Truth is relative, there is no absolute truth.

What God says
God is truth. His Word is the standard for truth. (Psalm 119:142, 151, 160)

Lies the world says
Lying is sometimes good or best. White lies are okay.

What God says
God hates lies (Prov. 6:17)

About language

Lies the world says
You must tolerate contradictory views; don’t speak against the opinions of others.

Truth
Fear God and not man (ps. 111:10, Prov. 29:25)

Lie
Swearing is okay. Vulgar language can be funny.

Truth
Do not swear speak only words that build others up (Matt 12:36)

About pride

Lie
Take pride in yourself and your talents.

Truth
God is the source of all your talents (James 1:17)

Lie
You can do anything you set your mind to

Truth
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil 4:13)

View of self

Lie
Think of yourself first

Truth
Treat others the way you wish to be treated (Luke 6:31)

View of authority

Lie
Question authority

Truth
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority (Heb. 13:17)

Lie
Not all rules apply to you.

Truth
God has established the authority in our lives (Rom 13:1)

Respect

Lie
Respect those that respect you and those who treat you well.

Truth
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matt. 5:44)

As we just looked over these few scriptures we see that the word of God tells us to be different that what the world tells us to be and do. If we do not continue to feed ourselves on the word of God we will begin to live out the worlds view and we will be conformed to this world and not transformed to the ways of God.
Come back next week for the last installment of this lesson.

Teaching Notes

Embracing the Change – Part 2

People face many things in life, some good and some bad. How we face those challenges determines if we want to be better or if we simply want to fit in to the world around us. When people change to be more like others around them, this is called conforming. The change that took place in Ashley Pearson (a young girl that God spared in a car accident) was a transformation. She began to allow God to transform her life into what he wanted her life to be. She did not become bitter because of her difficulty, in fact she allowed God to use it to help her worship him. What does it mean to be transformed? (It means to be altered, for the better in this instance, from the state something was once in.) We were once lost and sinners. When Christ changed us he not only gave us the righteousness of God but he transformed our lives. He changed us from a sinner to a child of God.

John 1:12 – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

God gives us the power to be transformed, but there are things that we allow to get in the way that keep us from allowing ourselves to be changed. What do you think gets in the way of us being changed? The greatest thing that gets in the way is our thinking. We have to move from what I call “stinking thinking” to “holy thinking.” What we think is very important to how we live out our values and our faith. If we allow the world’s views or our view of the world to direct us, we will have faulty thinking.

Let’s look at the belief test. What do you think about these questions and the results?

Do you believe that the devil or Satan is not real but a symbol of evil? 41 percent of teenagers who seemed to be Christians believed this lie.

Do you believe that all religious faiths teach equally valid truth? 45 percent wrongly believed this.

Do you believe that Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Jews and all other people pray to the same god, even though they use different names for god? 52 percent wrongly believed this.

Do you believe if people are generally good, or do enough good things for others during his or her life, they will earn a place in heaven? 52 percent wrongly believed this.

Do you believe when Christ was on earth he committed sins, like other people? 58 percent wrongly believed this.

What makes these beliefs wrong? Not because I said so, but because they are contrary to the word of God. If we are to be changed we have to feed our spiritual man on the truth of God’s word.

What are you eating?

What if I invited you to come to church with me and then told we would be eating lunch out of the garbage can? Why would you not want to eat from the garbage can?

These are some responses the young people gave:

Bad for you

Make you sick

I'd tell you to eat it first

I wouldn’t want to come to a church that makes you eat out of the garbage can.

Eating spiritual food that is not good for you is the same as eating from the garbage can. It does not help you grow spiritually, it will make you sick because you will not be able to resist sin and it does not help you to become stronger. Also, if you would tell the person to eat from the garbage can first, then why don’t you tell your friends that try to tempt you with sin to eat it themselves? Or when you go to church why do you get angry if the church talks to you about living right (which is only done by “eating” right things). You said you would not want to go to a church that fed you garbage, so then accept the good food they church gives you to grow. The way to embrace the transformation, the change is to begin to change the way you think. This is done by changing what we fed ourselves on.

(come back next week as we discuss some of the good and the bad spiritual food we eat)

Teaching Notes

And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began everone of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. Matthew21-25

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said is it I? and he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. St. Mark 19-20

I was struggling with a situation in my life and I had to seek God's direction on what I should do. I asked God, how do you handle someone trying to murder your name and who you are? How am I to treat that person or persons? I thank God for His spirit. He took me to His son. Jesus knew how to handle betrayal. How did He handle it?

First, Jesus being God Himself (all knowing) picked Judas to be one of His disciples. So He knew from the beginning who Judas was and what He was capable of. And even knowing this, He did not cast Judas away from Him. Judas was in His inner circle. He knew what the Master said, and He saw what the Master did. Judas was there hearing everything, taking notes on Jesus situation. Yet Jesus did not keep any good thing from him.

So now I asked the question, as only our human minds can think of, why didn't you get rid of him? You knew what he was going to do, so why not get him out of your business. Let me share with you what I believe God showed me.

He did not cast Judas out because the gracious God that we serve wants everyone to have a chance to come to know Him. He allowed the traitor to walk with Him and see Him to give Judas a chance to come to a place of salvation. Judas chose not to take it.

We also have to understand that Judas didn't take Jesus's life. Jesus willing gave it up. Jesus could have stop the process at anytime He wanted to. We have to also understand that Judas wasn't the only possible way that Jesus could have given up His life. So Judas didn't have to betray Jesus. He chose to allow the enemy to use him.

Secondly, even though Jesus did not cast Judas away, He did call him out. He let the truth of the situation be known. He boldly told everyone who the betrayer was. See Jesus had a mission to fulfill and that was what He did. Judas was amongst the followers. He looked like a disciple, he talked like a disciple, he wasn't really a follower of Christ. Oh even when the others were concerned if they were the ones that would betray Jesus and asked in a manner of sorrow, Judas asked as well, to keep up appearances. And Jesus called him on it.

So what is the lesson I learned? God wants me (and I can say us as well) to be Jesus in the situations where we are being betrayed. It is a difficult place to be, but we must continue to be that light, that path to God. God wants everyone to have an opportunity to receive His forgiveness, even the betrayer. So we have to be Jesus to them. They may walk amoung you, they may sit next to you, they may even be in your family. Yet God wants us to be Jesus to them. Because the grave they are digging, isn't really for you anyway. It is for themselves. For God has a purpose for your life and you must fufill it inspite of and because of what is going on. However hear this, Jesus did not cast Judas out, but He called him out.

Let the truth be the truth. Don't back down from the truth, stand in it and stand for it. Jesus let Judas know He knew all about what he was going to do. Even in that, Judas still didn't heed the warning. But Jesus had a mission and that is what He did, fulfill His mission. We have a mission from God and we must fufill that mission.

So what will I do? I will be loving with the Love of Christ. I will fulfull my mission for Him so that He can receive the Glory, for I am assured that no weapons formed against me shall prosper. But I will stand for the truth at all times and in all situation. I will do it with boldness and with the assurance of God that He is on my side.

So I encourage all today, that inspite of what's going on in your lives, stand boldly for the truth, but be ready to love those in your midst, that even seek to kill your name.

Praying for all that read this, that God would receive all glory from your lives.

Teaching Notes

Transformed Mind - Embracing the change

Commitment to Christ – Part 1

This is an excerpt from a youth retreat presented at Harvey Church of God on June 13th. This information calls for you to take the time to take a self-inventory. Answer the questions to see if there are any areas in your life that need to be worked on.

SELF-INVENTORY SHEET

1. Are you on fire for God?

2. Are you beginning to take your personal relationship with God more seriously? Or do you have a personal relationship with God?

3. Does your life resemble the values of the world more than the Word?

4. Do you love holiness and hate sin?

5. Do you strive to fight the sin of your heart and not simply address your sinful behaviors?

6. Do you like attending church?

7. Do you appreciate and obey your parents?

8. Do you enjoy reading and studying your Bible?

9. Do you have strong personal convictions?

10. Do you pray and what do you pray about?

11. Do you read the Bible? Do you enjoy reading the Bible? Do you experience God teaching you when you read your Bible?

12. Do you worship God? Why do you worship?

13. Do you think about God? What aspects of God do you think about?

16. Do you confess your sins to God?



Your Motives (are they because of your personal heart desire, or because you have to?)

Why do you pray?

Why do you read your bible?

Why do you go to church?

Why do you attend youth meetings?

What do you think about in times of corporate worship (the entire church coming together)?

Why do you do good works?

Why do you acknowledge sins in your life?

Why do you obey your parents?



Your Relationships (do you put God first in your friendships?)

Do you talk about God with your friends?

Do you tell non-Christians about your faith?

Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

Do you enjoy spending time with true Christians?

Do you desire to serve others?


How did you do? Come back next week as we continue this lesson and talk about "Spiritual dangers of false assurances".

Studio Go - Friday closing service

The children were great! The little ones were excited to show they understood the lessons they learned during VBS.

The pre-teen presentation was interesting and we laughed quite a bit at their re-inactment of the scripture.

The pre-teens presented two acts. They we had a great time at Studio Go!

Youth Inspiration Night - South Suburban Church of God

We had a wonderful time at South Suburban Church of God with our youth. There was singing, praise dancing, poetry reading and a great time was had by everyone!

These young ladies were from Hazelcrest Church of God

These are also praise dancers from Hazelcrest Church of God.

These are young men that the church honored that play basketball.

These were the trophies of the young men.

Studio Go! - VBS at South Suburban Church of God

This year at SSCOG, Vacation Bible School was called Studio Go! We had Go lead, Go Risk, God Tell, Go obey and Go serve. Each day we had over 50 children. One day I believe we had a total of 70 people! Each day we start with a game show, hosted by Wade Winalot (not lose a lot). This was done by our own Minister Tracy Burkins (a natural).

A quick clip of one of the songs, "nothing to fear".

This is Minister Tracy Burkins as Wade Winalot! I tell you he was great and the children loved his introduction. If you listen amongst the screams and shouts, you can hear Minister Burkins introducing himself as Wade Winalot, not losealot! Great work!

It's wonderful seeing God's people exciting investing in the lives of others.

Inspiration Night - South Suburban Church of God

Ashley Pearson and Joselyn Williams sang Mary, Mary's "Settle Rain" at the Youth Inspirational Night at South Suburban Church of God.

Teaching Notes

MONDAY
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:9-14


What difference can I make? I can love. What can we do differently this year to make a mark in the life of someone else? This scripture is talking about our behavior. It starts off telling us that we should love without making differences. See that’s how the world loves. They love those that do things for them or treat them well. They love those that have something to offer them. They have a motive that goes along with there love. Yet we are told not to make differences and not to love in this way.

We have to love everyone the loveable and the not so loveable. The next part of this scripture tells us to hate evil and to cleave to that which is good. To cleave is to hold tightly to or to be faithful to that which is good. God requires us to be kind and show brotherly love. He tells us to bless those that do us wrong and not to curse them. God expects us to be faithful in doing this. We don’t get to do it today and go back to old behavior tomorrow. God requires us to be diligent in pursuing what is good.

What does this really say to us? We can make a difference in the lives of others when we make a choice to love no matter the situation or circumstances. We chose to be kind and that means our words will show that. We speak words of love to others. This is one area that God’s people have fallen short in time and time again. We speak what is on our minds and we don’t realize the hurt or discouragement our words can bring. God’s word tells us to hold tightly to that which is good. Well the word tells us to bridle our tongue because it can cause a “ship wreak” in the lives of people. All of us have felt this before, hurtful words at times when you were feeling your worst.

But even though the words were hurtful you still have to go the right way. God tells us to love those that persecute us or that hurt us. Don’t seek to hurt back. Make the choice to continue to show love in what you say, what you do and how you live. And I’ve seen how God will convict hearts of others when they have done you wrong. And what if he doesn’t? Continue to love. If you belong to God you must show love because God is love and how can we say we love God whom we have not seen and not love others that we see all the time?

I pray today that our lives show what God’s love looks like. Let us make that choice to do it not just to those we care about but even those that misuse us and mistreat us. God bless you as you show love to other.


TUESDAY
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever fellow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18


What difference can I make? I can pray. This scripture is reinforcing the message on yesterday to cleave to or be faithful to what is good. Not the idea of what is good based on us but what is good based on scripture the authority of God. Our daily goal from the moment we wake in the morning should be to do what is right among the children of God as wells as those that are still lost to sin. That’s the word! This verse says to follow what is good both among yourselves and to all men.


It also tells us to pray without ceasing. This verse 17 is a very short verse but it is filled with wisdom. How does that look in practical application? Let me give you a scenario. If you haven’t been in one you’ve at least seen it, a conversation (a complaint session) about the things wrong in the word or in people. It doesn’t stop there. Every conversation goes back to that complaint. Days or weeks can go past and the same complaint is going on with no relief in sight. What’s wrong with that? It doesn’t line up with scripture.

God tells us to pray without ceasing not to complain without ceasing. The things, people or situations that are wrong in our lives we should pray about them. We pray for God to give us wisdom on dealing with the situation (and/or persons) and we pray for strength to deny the flesh its release. We deny the flesh release in talking about someone or complaining which bring no good to any situation. We deny the flesh release in putting someone down or discouraging someone because of the words that flow from our lips. We deny the flesh release when we bridle this tongue that wants to take the entire body right to hell with it.

When we begin to pray in all things and for all things we also learn to reverence God more. That is when we can begin to be thankful in all things. Yes even when some one has done you wrong or situations seem to be going wrong, you can be thankful because you know whom you have trusted in. It is no longer dependent on you and your abilities. You learn to look at things from a different vantage point. Maybe the treatment you are receiving or the situations you are in are to make you and to put into action your ability to love, to pray and to seek God’s face more.

Praying for us today to know we can make a difference in our lives as well as others when we begin to put more into our prayer life. We are not going to God as if he is a big Santa in the sky waiting to give us a treat, but as the all-powerful God he is, waiting to give us the wisdom and the understanding we need to follow him and worship him in spirit and in truth.


WEDNESDAY
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:12-13

What difference can I make? I can encourage others to do what is right. The scripture tells us we are to exhort one another daily. Exhort means to urge by strong, often stirring argument admonition, advice, or appeal. It also means to make urgent appeal.


We all have a responsibility to urge others to do what is right, especially other believers. Yesterday we mentioned the complainers who always have conversation about what’s wrong in the world. There is another side of that conversation, the listener. What do you do when others complain, gossip or put others down? Do you just listen? Or do you uncomfortably walk away?


God’s word tells us what we should do. If we are talking to other believers we are to appeal to them to do what is right. We should remind them of what the word says and encourage them so their hearts won’t be hardened through sins deceitfulness. (A word of caution here, everything you do should be done in decency and in order. Don’t go in and shout at a person about how wrong they are your behavior is then no better than there is. In everything you do, seek God’s wisdom.)


We are drawn to sin when we turn toward self-reliance and move from God centered existence. This scripture is also telling us an important fact we should make a difference TODAY, for tomorrow isn’t promised to us.

What difference can we make? We can take every opportunity to encourage others to do what is right. To the unsaved, we can present them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now sometimes we are not able to pull out our Bibles and give them scripture and verse, but what about you being the Living Word? Does you life reflect what the words of the Bible say? Are you preaching one thing and living something else? If you are then no one wants to hear from you.

I pray for us today that we make a difference with the words we speak to exhort others to turn completely to God and follow after righteousness so that sin won’t creep in and set you in bondage that only can be released by the power of God. If we could release ourselves from sin, why did we need a savior?


THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts” Psalm 51:6 NKJV

What difference can I make? I can be truthful. One of the best ways that you can make a difference in your life as well as those around you is to be honest. We must first be honest with God in order to make a difference. I read something very interesting it was this statement, “the enemy is lying about lying”.

The enemy wants us to lie to make ourselves look better. It’s not unheard of for a person to “embellish” his life or what he/she has accomplished to look better when trying to get a job or to impress someone. The enemy wants us to believe that lying will benefit us because we will be more respected more appreciated and live more comfortably than if we are honest about our accomplishments and ourselves.

Yet God tells us to be honest to desire it in our hearts. We have to first be honest to God. Are we hearing him when he tells us something needs changing or do we make excuses for our sin, with excuses like it’s just a weakness or it’s only a problem, it’s just a minor slip up or the best one excuse of that’s just the way I am and have always been. Does that really matter sin is still sin in the eyesight of God. So if that’s the way you’ve always been, that means you have been sinning for a long time.

We then have to be honest with ourselves. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving yourselves” James 1:22. We have to be willing to look at ourselves and be honest with the things that God shows us about where we are and then follow his direction to make the changes needed.

If we want to make a difference in the lives of others we must first make the steps to make sure we are in a right relationship with God. We must be truthful to God, to ourselves and to others. When we are honest and truthful we are better able to encourage and exhort others to do what is right before the Lord.

When we are in a right relationship with God we are better able to hear him speaking to us. We then can know how to pray because his spirit is guiding us. We can pray for the needs not only of ourselves but for others as well. We can pray for those that we love and for those that have mistreated us, not for evil purposes or revenge but because we want to see God move in their lives.

And we cannot do any of it if we have no love within our hearts. We must love God and his truth. We must love God’s correction and instruction. We must love those that love us and even those that mistreat us.


When you go to worship this week go asking God to strengthen you to make a difference this year in the lives of those he brings into your world. It may be in your home, on your job or where ever you find yourself stationed. God bless you as you look to see how you can make a difference.